BackupPC

BackupPC is a free, open-source system for backing up Linux, Windows, and macOS computers to a server’s disk. It suits administrators protecting files across computers that may connect intermittently. Its shared storage and flexible scheduling are useful, but it cannot recreate a failed disk exactly.

Overview

BackupPC centralizes computer backups on a server, with configuration available globally or for individual PCs. The web interface gives administrators access to logs, settings, and backup status; users can start or cancel backups and browse or restore files. That division is practical for managed environments, though the server-based design calls for someone able to administer the setup.

The project describes BackupPC as GPL-licensed open-source software. Its home page identifies version 4.4.0, released June 20, 2020, as the latest release. Support is organized through announcement, user-support, and developer mailing lists.

Key features

• Deduplication and optional compression: Identical files across backups are stored once, cutting repeated disk use and disk I/O. Optional compression can reduce storage further, and only new files need compression. This is a strong fit when multiple computers hold overlapping files.
• Several backup methods: No client-side software is required; documented methods include SMB, rsync, tar, and FTP. That flexibility can simplify deployment across different computers, while administrators still need to choose and configure a suitable method.
• Scheduling and intermittent connections: Full and incremental schedules can run in parallel, with settings at the system or individual-PC level. Laptop support includes intermittent connections and dynamic IP addresses, useful for devices that are not always on the same network.
• File recovery: Users can restore files directly or download them as ZIP or tar archives. The documentation explicitly says BackupPC is not designed for exact re-imaging of failed disks, so it is unsuitable when whole-machine recovery is the requirement.
• Reminders and integrity checks: Configurable email reminders can flag PCs that have not been backed up recently. Backup files use full-file MD5 digests; the documentation notes that MD5 collisions remain possible.

Pricing

BackupPC costs nothing. The free plan is the open-source software itself, with backups stored on a server’s disk. The software has no stated seat or backup quota in the plan, but the server’s disk is the destination and storage must be provided for the deployment.

There is no paid tier described. That makes BackupPC a sensible choice for teams able to provide and administer their own server; organizations seeking a priced hosted service or a plan with bundled storage should compare other options.

Platforms

BackupPC supports Linux, Windows, and macOS computers, and provides a web interface. It backs up computer files; mobile backup is not supported. The documented client methods and server destination make it oriented toward computer-to-server protection rather than a general mobile backup service.

Who it's for

BackupPC is best for administrators who want centralized, scheduled file backups for Linux, Windows, and macOS PCs and laptops, including machines that connect irregularly. Deduplication and configurable schedules help where a server is already part of the environment. Look elsewhere if you need mobile coverage, exact disk re-imaging, or a setup that does not depend on administering a server.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Deduplication stores matching files just once across backups, which can reduce the disk space and I/O required for overlapping data.
• Pro: No client software is required, and SMB, rsync, tar, and FTP are documented backup methods.
• Pro: Full and incremental schedules, per-PC settings, and support for intermittent connections suit mixed computer fleets.
• Con: Backups go to a server’s disk, so the deployment depends on server administration and disk capacity.
• Con: File restore does not provide exact re-imaging of a failed disk.
• Con: MD5 collisions remain possible, a limitation relevant to anyone relying on the stated digest for integrity checks.

Alternatives

For other products in this category, browse Backup software or NAS Backup Software.

• IDrive is worth considering if you want a freemium service with a free plan, a free trial, and platforms that include Android and iOS.
• Synology Photos is a free alternative for users with a Synology NAS who want a product whose supported platforms include Android and iOS.
• Bareos offers an open-source community edition with public repository access and complete source code, alongside paid subscription options.
• Duplicacy is an option for users seeking a freemium backup tool with a free trial and a personal license priced at $20 a year for the first year for one home computer.
• Duplicati may suit users who want a free plan with monitoring for up to 2 machines and visibility into the last 200 backups.
• Kopia is another free, open-source backup and restore option for users willing to provision and pay for storage separately.
• MSP360 Backup offers a free personal workstation plan with file and image-based backup and forum support.
• BorgBackup is a free, BSD-licensed open-source backup option.

Verdict

Choose BackupPC if you can run a server and want free, scheduled file backups across Linux, Windows, and macOS computers, especially when deduplication and support for intermittent laptops matter. Its central advantage is efficient shared storage without client-side software. Choose another tool if you need mobile backup or exact recovery of a failed disk.